This class is accountable for facilitating learning, academic achievement, and personal development by providing instruction to children, adolescents and adults. Develops and implements curriculum and lesson plans. Utilizes technology to facilitate learning. Understands the varying learning styles and the needs of a diverse student population
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Considerable knowledge of:
- core curriculum areas for which the teacher is responsible for instructing, including specialized knowledge in certain fields such as reading, mathematics, science, business, music, art, languages, and so forth, as appropriate
- educational philosophy, teaching methods and approaches, and currently researched best practices and strategies
- Knowledge of:
- child development;
- learning theory; students’ learning styles and needs, both academic and affective; theories of multiple intelligences;
- multicultural, multiracial, gender and disability fair curriculum concepts;
- classroom management techniques;
- instructional technologies;
- learner outcomes and the Minnesota Graduation Rule;
- community resources
- Skills in:
- classroom presentation;
- human relations, mediation, conflict management, and interpersonal interactions;
- maintaining and developing reports
- Ability to:
- communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; excellent listening skills;
- plan and implement lesson plans based upon District and school goals, as well as the objectives, needs, and abilities of students;
- provide appropriate instruction in core subjects;
- adapt teaching styles to diverse student populations;
- interact effectively with students, parents, and other school staff, the administration, and community members of diverse ethnic/racial and socioeconomic backgrounds;
- evaluate student performance and to present these evaluations in a manner that fosters higher student achievement;
- work in a cooperative learning environment;
- multi-task and be flexible;
- utilize computer and multimedia technology, as appropriate;
- work with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Essential Functions
- Provides instruction in the core and age-appropriate curriculum. Assesses initial knowledge or skills. Makes appropriate use of instructional resources and technologies, including computer technology. Develops and implements instructional activities for students. Develops and copies instructional materials; and, orders instructional materials and supplies. Collaborates with other teachers, staff resources, and volunteers regarding instructional and program activities. Provides for remediation, when necessary. Revises teaching methodology to accommodate students. Maintains instructional equipment, as appropriate. Team teaches, when appropriate;
- Evaluates student performance through examinations, homework assignments, and other methods; promotes student achievement, maintains the required student records; and, submits required reports, including report cards, to the principal or other school administrators. Assesses students’ academic, behavioral and vocational needs. Determines student mastery of subjects. Facilitates District-wide testing of students;
- Implements the goals, objectives and standards of the District, the school, and the specific program or department. Follows a prescribed course of study as delineated in curriculum outlines and authorized by the building principal. Develops, adapts, and updates curriculum. Develops and implements lesson plans;
- Maintains contact and communications with parents of students, and works with them in the development of each student. Schedules and holds parent conferences, as well as conferences with county workers, as appropriate. Recruits students into classes and specialized programs. Enrolls students and maintains classroom databases on students;
- Regarding special needs students, in conjunction with special education teachers, determines the least restrictive environment, and assists with the completion of due process reports and Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).
- Performs classroom management duties to include restraint of students and enforces school rules governing the conduct of students, and takes appropriate disciplinary action regarding students not adhering to school rules. Ensures the safety of students. Maintains an appropriate classroom learning environment, including displays;
- Advises students. As appropriate, supervises students involved in internships, and in volunteer and community service projects. Secures training stations and employment for students; assists students with employment forms. Advises students in various District, State and national competitions. Fund raises for certain student activities;
- Participates in staff development and professional growth activities, as required and as requested. Participates in appropriate in-service activities or educational opportunities to maintain current teacher certifications. Mentors new teachers;
- Performs other related duties such as enforcing District and school guidelines regarding health and hygienic conditions and practices as they may affect the physical and mental health of students; coordinates co-curricular and extracurricular school activities; participates in bus, lunch and playground duty assignments, as required; attends and participates in school planning and staff meetings, as required; serves on various school committees; monitors classroom and student budgets and accounts; provides information for grant-writing processes; develops, organizes and implements students’ classroom and school performances, presentations and exhibits.